Anyone living in a rented property will know the struggles of decoration: you can’t paint, you can’t re-carpet and your landlord is a pain (just kidding – they’re normally great). However, living in a rented property can be quite restricting, especially if you have your own specific sense of style and the flat or house doesn’t quite match it. You see a space, full of potential, that you can’t touch. So, how can you personalise your rented property without annoying your landlord?
*This is a collaborative post
Pictures
A house without photographs is a house without memories. An easy way to make a home feel yours is by framing photos of treasured times with your partner, family or friends and arranging them around the house. If you’re feeling adventurous, be super creative and print your photos using ink from printerinks.com and make them into one huge collage. The space will immediately feel more personal.
Rugs and cushions
A home is where you go to relax and so, above anything else, it should feel comfortable. Make your rented property feel personal with a choice of rugs and cushions that match your colour scheme and suit your style. These can add depth and warmth to a space without changing anything you’re not supposed to. Plus, they’re easy to replace if you fancy redecorating, and can be bought cheaply if you’re transforming your property on a budget.
Plants
Using plants to decorate a home can add a lively, fresh feel that really open the space. Plus, there are so many ways to be creative with plants, like using them to drape over cabinets, arranging them in a variety of pots and gathering them together in groups. If you’re a fan of nature, plants can also add a calming atmosphere to your home and help to keep you feeling grounded. Don’t forget to water them though – no one likes a wilted spider plant!
Lighting
You might be surprised how significantly lighting can alter the appearance of your home. Lighting affects the ambience, colour and brightness of a room, and can be done so simply. If you’re on a budget, simple fairy lights can be draped over staircases, shelves or cabinets to create a rainbow of colour and vibrancy to your home. Differently, floor lamps or little feature lights like lava or rock lamps can create a unique vibe that tell a story. Even something as simple as changing the lampshade can cast a different feel over a room, so don’t underestimate the power of light.
Ask
If you really, really, really loathe the leopard print wallpaper in the living room of your rented property or jump every time you see the Liza Minnelli artwork in the bedroom, you can always ask your landlord if you could add a lick of paint. Whilst most rented properties like you to stick to the decoration provided, some landlords are flexible and won’t mind a bit of DIY décor. Likewise, find out if you can hang pictures or shelves – if you fill in the holes before moving out, it might be OK. Whatever it is that you’d like, there’s no harm in asking.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
